A raingarden is a landscaping feature that uses native perennial plants to help manage stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces such as roofs, sidewalks and parking lots.

How do raingardens work?

Raingardens are designed to filter out pollutants and to reduce the volume of stormwater reaching out lakes, wetlands, rivers, and streams. They are built with a shallow depression that both collects and holds rainwater after a storm. What is special about native plants? Turf grass has shallow roots that do not provide the benefit of deep root systems that native perennial plants have. These plants decompact the ground and give the water a chance to soak in, instead of rushing directly into lakes, wetlands, rivers, and streams. Is it harmful to have these pollutants in your yard? No, these plants are used for their ability to break down pollutants found in your neighborhood.

Raingardens have become increasingly popular as an effective method of small-scale stormwater management. They are relatively easy to install, require little maintenance once established, filter out pollutants from stormwater runoff and, best of all, are beautiful to look at.

For more information on how to plant a raingarden or what types of plants are best, visit the following websites:

• Blue Thumb - Planting for Clean Water
• Wisconsin DNR
• Gardens for a Rainy Day
• Metro Blooms - Raingarden Video

Check out the video "A Neighborhood of Raingardens," a nice story about community raingarden initiatives: